Orientation & Mobility

For over 30 years, Barry has been teaching orientation and mobility in public schools, private rehabilitation centers, a teacher preparation program at the university level, the VA Health Care system and at Leader Dog. A native Texan, Barry is a COMS and a serial graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX, with an undergraduate degree in orientation and mobility and a master’s degree in special education.

Brad earned his master’s degree in orientation and mobility (O&M) from Western Michigan University and completed his O&M internship at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He first came to Leader Dog as a practicum student in 2022 and was drawn back by the positive work environment and flexible training model. As a COMS, Brad officially joined the O&M team at Leader Dog in February of 2023.

Erica started working for Leader Dog in 1998 as a part-time resident assistant while attending Central Michigan University studying education. After graduation, she began working full-time at Leader Dog while exploring teaching options. It was at this time that Leader Dog began piloting the Accelerated Mobility Program, offering orientation and mobility training for clients. She became interested in learning more about orientation and mobility and earned her master’s degree from Western Michigan University. Erica became a COMS at Leader Dog, and then in 2008, she became the Manager of Extended Services. She enjoys working at Leader Dog because the organization is continuously evolving to meet the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. Her favorite part of her time with clients is their “Ah-ha” moment that leads to them feeling empowered. In Erica’s new role as Director of Client Strategy, she aims to continue listening to clients about how Leader Dog can further support their goals for independence while develop even more learning opportunities.

Garret served in the United States Marine Corps for four years as a rifleman. After being discharged, he graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and then continued to get a master’s degree from Western Michigan University in orientation and mobility. He completed an internship at Bosma Enterprises in Indianapolis, IN, and then began contracting through the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons in Michigan. Currently, a COMS, Garret was drawn to working at Leader Dog because of our extremely supportive orientation and mobility team, the opportunities for community outreach and our all-around positive energy.

Hannah is a COMS and earned her master’s degree in orientation and mobility from Western Michigan University after completing her internship with The Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, Arizona. She first came to Leader Dogs in January of 2022 as a practicum student before joining the O&M team as a full-time employee in March of 2023. Hannah loves the teamwork and positive energy at Leader Dogs!

Jeannine earned her master’s degree in orientation and mobility from Salus University. She completed her internship at Leader Dogs for the Blind in 2023 and joined the team in February 2025. Jeannine was attracted to Leader Dogs because of teamwork, support and passion everyone has for their job/clients. She has experience working as a COMS in Pennsylvania and Maine. While working as a COMS, Jeannine pursued a certificate in Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT) from Salus University.

Jenny’s journey with Leader Dog began as an orientation and mobility (O&M) intern in 2014. With a bachelor’s degree in community programs for Americans with disabilities from Slippery Rock University (SRU) and a master’s degree in visual disabilities from Florida State University, Jenny has dedicated her career to empowering individuals with visual impairments. Currently residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jenny works at her alma mater, Slippery Rock University. At SRU, Jenny provides specialized services to college students who are blind or low vision, helping them navigate their education with confidence. Jenny continues to connect with the Leader Dog community by providing O&M on an as-needed basis.

Kristy earned her master’s degree in orientation and mobility from Western Michigan University and completed her internship at Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham, AL. After spending several years working as a COMS in Alabama and Ohio, she returned to Michigan in 2017 to join our extended services department. Kristy loves the spirit of teamwork and collaboration at Leader Dog.

Leslie Hoskins is a COMS and the outreach services and community engagement manager at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Leslie attended Western Michigan University, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in speech-language pathology and audiology and a Master of Arts in orientation and mobility. Before she joined the O&M team as a full-time team member in 2014, she first came to Leader Dog in January of 2013 as a practicum student and again in May of 2013 as an intern. During her time on the O&M team, Leslie was the summer camp director and truly enjoyed planning unforgettable weeks of unique experiences and opportunities for teens to make connections. In January of 2020, Leslie transitioned to her role as the outreach services and community engagement manager. She is enjoying her new role and sharing the unique programs that Leader Dog has to offer with others.

Currently, a COMS, Lynn served as the Director of Orientation and Mobility at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the statewide Director of O&M and Visually Impaired Services for Louisiana until his retirement after 30 years of service. His first association with Leader Dog was as a guest orientation and mobility instructor in 2006. He was amazed at the Leader Dog campus and facilities, as well as the passion, dedication and professionalism of the staff and agreed to work with the organization whenever possible. After his retirement in 2013, he began to work with Leader Dog’s O&M program on an as-needed basis. He enjoys working with the diverse client base and especially loves to watch the clients’ reactions and enthusiasm as their mobility skills improve. Lynn received his O&M certification in the master’s program from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and has degrees from Northwestern State University and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Meredith is our Extended Services Team Supervisor, a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS) and a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI). She received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in animal science. After helping her friend raise a puppy in college, she decided to pursue a career at Leader Dog. She started as an apprentice GDMI in 2015, got certified as a GDMI in 2018, and became a GDMI Team Supervisor in 2020. In 2022, she graduated with her Master’s in Orientation and Mobility from the University of Kentucky and became a Certified O&M Specialist. Meredith served O&M clients and worked with the guide dog team until joining the Extended Services team full-time in 2024 as the Extended Services Team Supervisor.

A COMS and member of the Leader Dog team since 1979, Rod is internationally recognized for his extensive knowledge in developing advanced O&M instructional programs. He has developed integrated methods for the use of canes and dogs as well as GPS in both O&M and Guide Dog programs. His expertise in guide dog utilization, O&M and GPS has given him an innovative perspective for enhancing mobility and independence for people who are blind and visually impaired. He has spoken all over the world on O&M and guide dogs. He has also authored, published and presented numerous articles and informative literature about blindness, guide dog utilization, preparation of clients for guide dog use and training techniques. Rod was inducted into the Outstanding Alumni Academy at Western Michigan University for his work in the blind rehabilitation field.

Sarah is an O&M and field services representative, specializing in working with clients who are DeafBlind. She has been a GDMI at Leader Dog since 2013, has a bachelor’s degree in sign language studies from Madonna University and received a master’s degree in O&M from the University of Kentucky in 2022. Sarah also holds certifications as an American Sign Language interpreter and O&M specialist.